Billiards Training Tool

ABSTRACT

A billiard training cue for increasing a player&#39;s breaking speed. The billiard training cue is weighted significantly heavier than regulation cues to build up muscle strength and improve a player&#39;s breaking speed with a regulation cue stick. The billiard training cue comprises a forward section, a cue tip, and a butt section attachable to the forward section. Both the forward and butt sections are significantly heavier than a regulation cue. The forward and butt sections may be solid core sections or comprise center bores for accepting weighted inserts. The billiard training cue may also be a single shaft that is weighted significantly heavier than regulation cues sticks.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/994,344, which was filed on Mar. 25, 2020 and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a training tool for billiards, and more specifically to a weighted training cue stick for billiards or pool. Accordingly, the present specification makes specific reference thereto. However, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally amenable to other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

By way of background, breaking speed during a billiards match is important. Getting off to a quick start by making one or more billiard balls can improve gameplay. Pool cue sticks typically range in weight from between 18 to 21 ounces. Everything else being equal, heavier cue sticks naturally transmit more force to the cue ball thereby creating higher cue ball speeds. When using a lighter cue stick, a player's break speed tends to slow down so they are less likely to make balls on the break. As players are limited to regulation weighted cue sticks, they have no good way to train to increase the speed at which they push the cue stick against the cue ball.

The cue ball speed is determined by the cue's mass and the cue's speed at impact with the cue ball. For a given cue speed, the cue ball will go faster if the cue has more mass. Similarly, for a given cue mass, the cue ball will go faster if the cue has more speed. Both factors, cue speed and cue mass, are important. Breaking power is related to the square of the cue ball speed, and cue ball speed is directly related to cue stick speed. Therefore, increasing the speed of the break stroke while maintaining accuracy will likely result in an improved break effectiveness. Likewise, using a heavier cue while maintaining the same or similar cue speed will increase breaking power. However, increases in cue weight do not have as much impact as increases in cue speed. Additionally, as cue weights are regulated in pool and billiards, the maximum weight of the cue cannot be more than 21 ounces. This leaves players with the only option of learning to increase their cue speed if they want to improve breaking power.

Baseball players have a similar issue related to baseball bats. Generally, a lighter bat can be swung faster, but a heavier bat has more mass. Some players can generate more ball speed with a heavier bat, and some do better with a lighter bat. Players use weighted doughnuts attached to the bat to train to increase bat speed. Swinging a significantly heavier bat in training builds muscle strength. When the player switches to a regulation bat, they can naturally then swing faster. This effect should be similar with break cues. Building up muscle strength with a training tool will allow the player to improve their breaking speed when using a regulation cue.

Accordingly, there is a great need for a training aid for billiards and pool. There is also a need for a way for improve muscle strength to increase breaking speed. Similarly, there is a need for a tool to train users proper technique while improving breaking speed. Further, there is a need for a training tool that allows players to make more balls during a break.

In this manner, the improved commemorative system of the present invention accomplishes all of the forgoing objectives, thereby providing an easy solution for improving a pool or billiards player's game. A primary feature of the present invention is a weighted training tool configured to allow a player to improve muscle strength and memory. The present invention allows the player to increase their breaking speed when using a regulation cue. Finally, the improved training tool of the present invention is capable of improving overall technique of using a pool cue.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a billiard training cue. The billiard training cue is intended for use in training a player to improve breaking speed or cue stick speed when striking a billiard or pool ball. The billiard training cue is at least twenty five ounces in weight.

The billiard training cue comprises a forward section, a butt section, and a cue tip. The forward section comprises a tip end and a connecting end. The cue tip is attachable to the tip end of the forward section. The butt section comprises a butt end and a connecting end. The connecting end of the butt section comprises a universal threaded connector for engaging a threaded hole in the connecting end of the forward section to connect the forward section to the butt section along a common axis.

The butt section is heavier than the forward section. The butt and forward sections may be constructed as solid tapered rods. Alternatively, the butt section may be a fused chain link rod. The butt section may further comprise a hand engaging portion. The hand engaging portion may be a hand grip. The billiard training cue may be up to fifteen pounds in weight.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in another embodiment thereof, comprises a billiard training cue. The billiard training cue is intended for use in training a player to improve breaking speed or cue stick speed when striking a billiard or pool ball. The billiard training cue is at least twenty five ounces in weight.

The billiard training cue comprises a shaft and a cue tip. The shaft comprises a tip end and a butt end. The cue tip is attachable to the tip end of the shaft. The butt end is heavier than the tip end. The shaft is a solid tapered rod. The shaft may further comprise a hand engaging portion positioned around the shaft adjacent to the butt end. The hand engaging portion may be a hand grip. The billiard training cue may be up to fifteen pounds in weight.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in another embodiment thereof, comprises a billiard training cue. The billiard training cue is intended for use in training a player to improve breaking speed or cue stick speed when striking a billiard or pool ball. The billiard training cue is at least twenty five ounces in weight.

The billiard training cue comprises a forward section, a butt section, and a cue tip. The forward section comprises a tip end, a connecting end, and a center bore extending inward from the connecting end toward the tip end. The cue tip is attachable to the tip end of the forward section. The butt section comprises a butt end, a connecting end and a center bore extending inward from the butt end toward the connecting end.

The billiard training cue further comprises a forward section weighted insert and a butt section weighted insert. The forward section weighted insert comprises a threaded hole in one end. The forward section weighted insert is positional within the center bore of the forward section with the threaded hole outwardly exposed. The butt section weighted insert is positional within the center bore of the butt section. The connecting end of the butt section comprises a threaded connector for engaging the threaded hole in the forward section weighted insert to connect the forward section to the butt section along a common axis.

The butt section is heavier than the forward section. The butt and forward sections may be constructed as solid tapered rods with the center bores. The butt section may further comprise a hand engaging portion. The hand engaging portion may be a hand grip. The billiard training cue may be up to fifteen pounds in weight.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and is intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a billiard training cue of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 2 illustrates perspective view of a forward section detached from a butt section of the billiard training cue of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the butt section engaging and connecting to the forward section of the billiard training cue of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 4 illustrates an overhead view of the butt section of the billiard training cue of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 5 illustrates an overhead view of the billiard training cue of the present invention in a detached configuration in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a billiard training cue of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a butt section weighted insert separated from a butt section of a billiard training cue of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a forward section weighted insert separated from a forward section of the billiard training cue of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They do not intend as an exhaustive description of the invention or do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

The present invention provides users with a weighted pool or billiards stick functioning as a training mechanism to increase breaking speed. The cue stick may be constructed using stainless-steel materials. The weighted pool or billiards stick utilizes the relative principle to that of a weighted donut used with baseball bats to improve break speed and improve an overall pool game. The present invention may weigh up to 10.5 pounds or more to accommodate standard pool players and increases the potential of making more balls on the break during a billiards match. The invention may further include a heavy duty case as traditional cue cases are not sturdy enough to accommodate the weight of the weighted pool or billiards cue. Billiards players can utilize the tool as needed to work on their game and make more balls off the break. The term billiard training cue, as used herein, is intended to include any cue stick, billiards cue, pool cue, or snooker cue intended for the games of pool, billiards, or snooker.

Referring initially to the drawings, FIGS. 1-5 illustrate a billiard training cue 100. The billiard training cue 100 is intended for use in training a player to improve breaking speed or cue stick speed when striking a billiard or pool ball. The billiard training cue 100 is a training tool and is not intended for use in a regulation game of billiards or pool. The billiard training cue 100 is at least twenty five ounces in weight. As regulation cue sticks only weigh a maximum of twenty one ounces, the heavier billiard training cue 100 of the present invention is configured to increase muscle strength and memory when practicing breaking or striking a pool ball.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the billiard training cue 100 comprises a forward section 110, a butt section 130, and a cue tip 120. The forward section 110 is generally tapered in shape and comprises a tip end 112 and a connecting end 114 situated opposite the tip end 112. The connecting end 114 comprises a threaded hole 116. The cue tip 120 is attachable to the tip end 112 of the forward section 110. The cue tip 120 may be detachable or permanently attached to the tip end 112.

The butt section 130 comprises a butt end 132 and a connecting end 136. The connecting end 136 of the butt section 130 comprises a threaded connector 138. The threaded connector 138 is typically a universal male joint screw comparable to those used to connect traditional two-part cue sticks. The threaded connector 138 is configured to engage the threaded hole 116 in the connecting end 114 of the forward section 110 as illustrated in FIG. 3. When engaged with the threaded hole 116, the threaded connector 138 connects and secures the forward section 110 and the butt section 130 along a common axis. The butt end 132 may comprise a butt end cap 134 for cushioning or protecting the butt end 132.

The butt section 130 is generally heavier than the forward section 110. The butt and forward sections 130 and 110 may be solid tapered rods. The butt and forward sections 130 and 110 constructed from stainless steel, aluminum, metals, plastics, and composite materials. The butt and forward sections 130 may be transparent or translucent to allow for a customized decorative appearance.

The billiard training cue 100 may be up to twenty pounds in weight. In one embodiment, the billiard training cue 100 may weigh between four and six pounds. This weight is desirable as it allows a user to gradually improve muscle strength and breaking speed. In another embodiment, the billiard training cue 100 may weigh between nine and eleven pounds to further improve muscle strength and breaking speed. The billiard training cue 100 may weigh as much as fifteen pounds or more as desired. Additional butt sections 130 of graduating weights may also be used. As such, the user may change out a lighter butt section for a heavier butt section as they improve.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the butt section 130 may further comprise a hand engaging portion 140. The hand engaging portion 140 is positioned around and encapsulated a portion of the butt section 130 adjacent to the butt end 132. The hand engaging portion 140 may be designated by coloring or other marking to indicate where to grip the billiard training cue 100. The hand engaging portion 140 may be a hand grip, such as padding, rubber, or a molded grip to help the user grasp the billiard training cue 100. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the butt section 132 may be alternatively shaped and constructed. For example, the butt section 132 may be configured as a fused chain link rod. The hand engaging portion 140 encapsulates the fused chain link rod adjacent to the butt end 132 allowing for a standard hand grip. The hand grip therefore encapsulates a portion of the butt section 130.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, the subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in another embodiment thereof, comprises a billiard training cue 200. The billiard training cue 200 is intended for use in training a player to increase breaking speed or cue stick speed when striking a billiard or pool ball with a traditional cue. The billiard training cue 200 is a training tool and is not intended for use in a regulation game of billiards or pool. The billiard training cue 200 is at least twenty five ounces in weight.

The billiard training cue 200 comprises a shaft 210 and a cue tip 220. The shaft 210 comprises a tip end 212 and a butt end 214. The cue tip 220 is attachable to the tip end 212 of the shaft 220. The butt end 214 is heavier than the tip end 212. The shaft 210 is a generally a solid tapered rod. The shaft 210 may be constructed from stainless steel, aluminum, plastics, and composite materials. The shaft 210 may also be transparent or translucent to allow for a customized decorative appearance. The shaft 210 may further comprise a hand engaging portion 216 positioned around the shaft 210 adjacent to the butt end 214. The hand engaging portion 216 may be a hand grip.

The billiard training cue 200 may be up to twenty pounds in weight. In one embodiment, the billiard training cue 200 may weigh between four and six pounds. This weight is desirable as it allows a user to gradually improve muscle strength and breaking speed. In another embodiment, the billiard training cue 200 may weigh between nine and eleven pounds to further improve muscle strength and breaking speed. The billiard training cue 200 may weigh as much as fifteen pounds or more as desired.

As illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, the subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in another embodiment thereof, comprises a billiard training cue 300. The billiard training cue 300 is intended for use in training a player to increase breaking speed or cue stick speed when striking a billiard or pool ball. The billiard training cue 300 is a training tool and is not intended for use in a regulation game of billiards or pool. The billiard training cue 300 is at least twenty five ounces in weight.

The billiard training cue 300 comprises a forward section 310, a butt section 330, and a cue tip 320. The forward section 310 comprises a tip end 312, a connecting end 314, and a center bore 318. The center bore 318 extends inward from the connecting end 314 toward the tip end 312. The cue tip 320 is attachable to the tip end 312 of the forward section 310. The cue tip 320 may be detachable or permanently attached to the tip end 312. The butt section 330 comprises a butt end 332, a connecting end 336, and a center bore 342. The center bore 342 extends inward from the butt end 332 toward the connecting end 336.

The billiard training cue 300 further comprises a forward section weighted insert 350 and a butt section weighted insert 360. The forward section weighted insert 350 and the butt section weighted insert 360 are weighted rods designed to increase the weight of the billiard training cue 300. The forward section weighted insert 350 and the butt section weighted insert 360 may be threaded to engage and screw into the respective center bore 318 or 342 configured to receive a threaded insert, or alternatively be nonthreaded to frictionally engage the respective center bore 318 or 342.

The forward section weighted insert 350 comprises a threaded hole 352 in one end. The forward section weighted insert 350 is positional within the center bore 318 of the forward section 310 with the threaded hole 352 outwardly exposed. The butt section weighted insert 362 is positional within the center bore 342 of the butt section 330. The connecting end 336 of the butt section 330 comprises a threaded connector 338. The threaded connector 338 is typically a universal male joint screw comparable to those used to connect traditional two-part cue sticks. The threaded connector 338 is configured to engage the threaded hole 352 in the forward section weighted insert 350. When engaged with the threaded hole 352, the threaded connector 338 connects and secures the forward section 310 and the butt section 330 along a common axis

The butt section weighted insert 360 is heavier than the forward section weighted insert 350. The butt and forward sections 330 and 310 may be solid tapered rods with having center bores. The butt section 330 may further comprise a hand engaging portion (similar to 140). The hand engaging portion may be a hand grip.

The billiard training cue 300 may be up to twenty pounds in weight. In one embodiment, the billiard training cue 300 may weigh between four and six pounds. This weight is desirable as it allows a user to gradually improve muscle strength and breaking speed. In another embodiment, the billiard training cue 300 may weigh between nine and eleven pounds to further improve muscle strength and breaking speed. The billiard training cue 300 may weigh as much as fifteen pounds or more as desired. Additional forward section weighted inserts 350 and the butt section weighted inserts 360 of graduating weights may also be used. As such, the user may change out a lighter forward section weighted insert 350 or butt section weighted insert 360 for a heavier forward section weighted insert 350 or butt section weighted insert 360 as they improve.

Notwithstanding the forgoing, the billiard training cues 100, 200, and 300 can be any suitable size, shape, and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the shape and size of the billiard training cues 100, 200, and 300 and the various components, as show in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other shapes and sizes of the billiard training cues 100, 200, and 300 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although dimensions of the billiard training cues 100, 200, and 300 and the components (i.e., length, width, and height) are important design parameters for good performance, the billiard training cues 100, 200, and 300 and the various components may be any shape or size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits user need and/or preference. As such, the billiard training cues 100, 200, and 300 can may be comprised of sizing/shaping that is appropriate and specific in regard to whatever the billiard training cues 100, 200, and 300 are designed to be applied.

What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A billiard training cue comprising: a forward section; a cue tip attachable to a tip end of the forward section; a butt section securable to a connecting end of the forward section along a common axis; and wherein the billiard training cue is at least twenty five ounces in weight.
 2. The billiard training cue of claim 1, wherein the forward and butt sections are tapered stainless steel rods.
 3. The billiard training cue of claim 1, wherein the butt section is heavier than the forward section.
 4. The billiard training cue of claim 1, wherein the forward section is secured to the butt end via a threaded connection.
 5. The billiard training cue of claim 1, wherein the billiard training cue is at least four pounds in weight.
 6. The billiard training cue of claim 1, wherein the billiard training cue is at least ten pounds in weight.
 7. The billiard training cue of claim 1, wherein the butt section comprises a hand engaging portion.
 8. The billiard training cue of claim 7, wherein the hand engaging portion is a hand grip.
 9. The billiard training cue of claim 1, wherein the butt section is a fused chain link rod.
 10. The billiard training cue of claim 9, wherein the butt section comprises a hand grip encapsulating a portion of the butt section.
 11. A billiard training cue comprising: a forward section comprising a center bore; a forward section weighted insert positional within the center bore of the forward section; a cue tip attachable to a tip end of the forward section; a butt section comprising a center bore, the butt section securable to the forward section along a common axis; a butt section weighted insert positional within the center bore of the butt section; and wherein the billiard training cue is at least twenty five ounces in weight.
 12. The billiard training cue of claim 11, wherein butt section weighted insert is heavier than the forward section weighted insert.
 13. The billiard training cue of claim 11, wherein the forward and butt section weighted inserts are threaded.
 14. The billiard training cue of claim 11, wherein the forward section weighted insert comprises a threaded hole for engaging a threaded connector extending from a connecting end of the butt section.
 15. The billiard training cue of claim 11, wherein the billiard training cue is at least four pounds in weight.
 16. The billiard training cue of claim 11, wherein the billiard training cue is at least ten pounds in weight.
 17. The billiard training cue of claim 11, wherein the butt section comprises a hand engaging portion.
 18. A billiard training cue comprising: a shaft comprising a tip end and a butt end; and a cue tip attachable to the tip end; and wherein the billiard training cue is at least twenty five ounces in weight.
 19. The billiard training cue of claim 18, wherein the butt end is heavier than the tip end.
 20. The billiard training cue of claim 18, wherein the billiard training cue is at least ten pounds in weight. 